10 Tips for Lazy Writers to Increase Motivation

by Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen @ Quips and Tips

These ten tips for lazy writers will increase your self-discipline and motivation to write! I guarantee that you’ll ramp up your writing routine with at least one or two of these self-discipline tips for writers….if not, I’ll give you 100% of your money back.

First, here’s a quip for writers from Charles M. Schulz.

“Sometimes I lie awake at night, and ask, ‘Where have I gone wrong?’ Then a voice says to me, ‘This is going to take more than one night.’ ” – Schulz.

Fellow scribes, I don’t want you to reach the end of your life (or the death of your dreams) and wonder why you never made it as a writer. Never let it be said that you were too lazy to write! To ensure your success as a writer, click Getting Published: 300 Secrets & Strategies by Paul Martin. And, read on for ten tips for lazy writers to increase your motivation…

10 Tips for Lazy Writers to Increase Your Motivation

1. Create a need

I know of a writer who had to write to pay the bills. She was a single mom, desperate for income but unable to afford childcare. She was literally too hungry to be a lazy writer – she didn’t need to increase her writing discipline or motivation. She needed to pay her bills and feed her kids while working from home. If you don’t have a need to write, create one. Do you need Starbucks frappucinos? Then sell an article or write 750 words. Do you need to pay your car insurance or health care bills? Get busy, fellow scribes. Get writing.

2. Figure whether you’re internally or externally motivated

Are you motivated by chocolate bon bons or a stiff belt of Scotch? Do you write because it makes you feel good, accomplished, or creative? Do write for money? To stop being a lazy writer, determine what your driving force is, and tap into it. What are the rewards that give you the motivation to write?

3. Pay now, play later

I love to write articles for my websites, and don’t really enjoy finding new markets to pitch to or sending well-written queries. The solution? I have to find a new market or send a great query before I can blog. Today, I sent a Valentine’s Day pitch to Chatelaine….and now I can write my top 10 tips for lazy writers! Writing this particular blog is actually increasing my discipline and motivation, so it’s one of those win-wins. For you – hold off on what you love to do until you’ve reached a writing goal.

4. Confess your sins

When darling hubby comes home from slaving away in the salt mines, it’s time for me to ‘fess up. How many queries did I send? Did I watch Oprah and Dr Phil? Describing my accomplishments increases my discipline and motivation to write. If I wasn’t accountable to him, I’d find someone else to help me stop being a lazy writer. Your accountability partner doesn’t have to be a fellow writer; it can be anyone who has goals in life…career goals, home improvement goals, gardening, etc. To be a successful writer, you need to set your goals, confess your slothfulness, and celebrate your writing achievements.

5. Share your writing

Schedule weekly “writing drop off” dates with people who are willing to read your writing. When I know my friends, family, or editors will be reading my articles or blog posts, I’m seriously motivated to start early and do a good job. Sharing your work is one of the top tips for lazy writers because it (theoretically) forces you to start early so you write well.

6. Book a writer’s conference

I’m all signed up for the Surrey Writer’s Conference in October, and this in itself is motivation to write! Lazy writers don’t attend writing conferences – and they especially don’t meet the deadlines for writer’s contests. Acting as if you’re not a lazy writer increases your motivation and discipline to write.

7. Take an online writing class

Maybe you’re struggling as a writer because you don’t feel good enough. To hone your writing skills, enroll in an online writing class or an editing class through your local community college. Again, if you act as if you’re not a lazy writer, your discipline and motivation to write WILL increase.

8. Write in baby steps

This is a good exercise and weight loss tip, too: when you don’t feel like writing, force yourself to work for 15 or 20 minutes. After your writing time is up, then you can go play X-Box or watch Friends. Or, maybe you’ll want to keep writing for another 15 or 20 minutes….this “motivation to write for lazy writers” tip can lead to solid writing habits.

9. Read a book about writing.

The more I read about freelance writing, the more I want to work! Find a book about writing that inspires and motivates you – Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott is a good one. “Prep” yourself for writing by reading a passage or chapter before you click on your computer.

10. Create a writing ritual

Some writers do squats (maybe); others put on their special writing hats and galoshes. Me, I check my email, my website stats, my writer’s forums, and my Suite101 particulars….and then I’m ready to write. Creating a writing ritual is a good tip for lazy writers because it provides mental and physical preparation to get to work. Going through your motions will increase your writing discipline…which will make you a better writer.

Fellow scribes, if you have any motivation tips for lazy writers, I’d love to hear them…please feel free to comment below.